Ex-WWE Star Finally Ready For In-Ring Return After Neck Surgery

An ex-star is on the verge of returning to the ring after neck surgery and a long hiatus. The star in question is Steph De Lander, formerly known as Persia Pirotta in WWE.

In September 2024, De Lander revealed that she needed neck surgery to address a bulging disc she had been dealing with for a few years. Later that year, she underwent neck fusion surgery to repair the damage.

Because of the injury, surgery, and extensive rehabilitation, she had to be out of action for the entire year of 2025. But she recently gave the fans some good news regarding her in-ring future.

Ex-WWE Star Steph De Lander Is Cleared To Return To The Ring

Steph De Lander took to her official X (formerly Twitter) account to reveal that her neck is 100% healed and that her surgeon has cleared her for an in-ring return. Therefore, she is planning to make her long-awaited comeback.

She added that she is currently seeking additional guidance and a return-to-in-ring protocol from medical professionals to ensure that she can perform safely.

De Lander tweeted, “Does anyone have a return to the ring protocol for a neck injury? Been trying to get one for 18 months.”

“My neck is 100% healed and I have been cleared by my surgeon to return to the ring. I need guidance from a medical professional to ensure safety so I can get back to doing what I love. I have asked so many times. Can anyone help me @ThisIsTNA @WWE @AEW ???” she added.

My neck is 100% healed and I have been cleared by my surgeon to return to the ring. I need guidance from a medical professional to ensure safety so I can get back to doing what I love. I have asked so many times. Can anyone help me @ThisIsTNA@WWE@AEW ??? https://t.co/5Tp7Jq405H

— STEPH DE LANDER (@stephdelander) January 27, 2026

De Lander is currently signed to TNA. In October 2025, Fightful reported that she and her husband, Mance Warner, signed new, extended contracts with the company that will keep them with TNA through June 2026.